Avalon Redo Adds Activities and Places to Dine

The makeover includes a new spa and a renovated beach club

The tiny seaport village of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island has had a makeover in recent years, and now the popular island destination boasts a state-of-the-art spa, a renovated beach club, and several noteworthy waterfront restaurants. If you haven’t visited the island in a while, there are more reasons than ever to visit.

Stay

There are several AAA Diamond-rated lodgings in Avalon (call for the latest rates). Among them:

Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionery, founded in 1941, makes chewy, house-made saltwater taffy. It’s hard to miss because it’s in the center of town with a taffy-pulling machine in the window. 315 Crescent Avenue. 310-510-7266; catalinacandy.com.

Getting ready for a ride on the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour.

Do

The Catalina Island Museum,which features the art, history, and culture of Santa Catalina, is in a new location at the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building. On the first Friday of the month, the museum stays open late and ticket-holders get refreshments and admission to the digital theater and galleries and experience live performances, film screenings, lectures, and more. 217 Metrople Avenue; 310-510-2414; catalinamuseum.org.

Island Spa Catalina: You’ll find Catalina’s day spa in the restored El Encanto building. Designed with an aquatic motif and island tiles throughout, the spa also has a spacious rooftop lounge with harbor views. The outdoor pool, hot tub and soaking tub provide more opportunities to enjoy the plush surroundings. 163 Crescent Avenue; 310-510-7300; bit.ly/21bCheK.

Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour: Take an exhilarating ride from the mountains down to the sea. Each of the five consecutive zips highlights the island’s flora and fauna and provides a bird’s-eye view from high above the canyon floor. 1 St. Catherine Way; 310-510-7422; bit.ly/2dstjHE.

Catalina Island Ocean Runner: Experience an outing on a Ribcraft that powers through the water at high speed in search of dolphins, sea turtles, and sea lions. It’s an hour-long, sometimes bumpy ride that is not recommended for women who are pregnant and anyone with neck or back injuries, or motion sickness. 1 Green Pleasure Pier, 100 Catalina Avenue; 800-626-1496; bit.ly/2dm0k7p.

To help you get around the island, a free Santa Catalina Island Quick Guide map is available at a AAA Auto Club branch. For information about TourBook guides and TripTik Travel Planners, visit a branch or go to AAA.com/maps.